Ministry of information and Culture Signs MoU On The Grand Book

“That’s why I think there can be no greater gift from Nigeria to the
outside world or ourselves than this Grand Book. We will strive as
much as possible, at least in our ministry, to make this the official
gift. We will try and persuade the Presidency to also make this their
official gift,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the production of the Grand Book has been
captured in the ministry’s budget for this year because of the high
premium attached to the project.

“We have had quite a lengthy negotiation. I have been involved in a
lot of the negotiations myself. I personally went through the MoU and
fortunately, at least this year, we did include in our budget the
provision for this Grand Book,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the MoU spelt out the engagement between the
ministry and the Leadership/Folio Limited, which involved setting up
of a joint editorial team, the marketing strategy and the sharing
formula of the proceeds of the book.

In his remarks, Mr. Anosike said the project was conceived five years
ago in order to use information and culture to change the perception
of Nigeria.

“Nigeria needs to tell its story and the driving force of this is what
we call telling our stories ourselves. There is no consolidated
compendium on Nigeria. We have done that research and we felt that we
should be able to bring out the vision and come to the ministry that
is the custodian to be able to partner to produce a book that we can
use to change the perception about Nigeria,” he said.

Mr. Anosike thanked the Minister for driving the vision to fruition
through what he called his rare commitment to the Nigeria Project.